Like it or not, running is the hottest sport in town. It’s relatively inexpensive, easy to do by yourself, and when you join races, you can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your peers, as well as national athletes, visiting pro runners, and celebrity enthusiasts. Want to make running a sport for life, instead of just another fitness fad you’ll drop after a few months? Click through the slideshow below for a few essentials to keep in mind.


Read these other articles for more tips for runners:

• Running 101: 13 Tips for Newbie Runners
• 9 Tips on Getting Back into Running after a Break
• Rev It Up! 3 Tips to Help Your Running Regimen

(First published in Women's Health Magazine, Get-Fit Tricks section as "At the Starting Line" in October 2008; adapted for use in Female Network)